Retired Presidents

Equestrian Portrait of George Washington (1829), Rembrandt Peale.

Most people seem to see Jimmy Carter's post-presidential accomplishments as more impressive than anything he did while in the White House. Whether or not that's accurate, it makes sense. Carter had only four years as President, and 43 afterward. As a private citizen, he could follow his heart, working for human rights and humanitarian causes in ways not usually available to office holders.

Thinking about this, I began to wonder, what did other presidents do adfter leaving office? What follows is a very brief summary. Note that this does not take into account how long each man lived after leaving the presidency, nor does it include health problems and other constraints.

George Washington: He retired to his plantation, Mount Venon. To supplement his income, he set up a whiskey distillery. He also bought and sold real estate.

John Adams: He managed his farm, corresponded with old friends and colleagues, wrote a series of letters published in the newspaper.

Thomas Jefferson: Founded the University of Virgina, maintained correspondence with political leaders, wrote his autobiography.

James Madison: Retired to his plantation at Montpelier, helped Jefferson found the University of Virginia, was a representative to the 1829 Virginia Constitutional Convention, spent time editing and revising (including falsifying) his old letters and documents.

James Monroe: Spent time reading, wrote a book on political theory, started but did not complete his autobiography, struggled with financial problems, served on the Board of Visitors for the University of Virginia, was a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1829–1830.

John Quincy Adams: Ran for re-election and lost, then was elected to Congress in 1830 and served nine terms, was involved in the anti-slavery movement, instrumental in establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.

Andrew Jackson: Remained politically influential, lobbied for annexation of Texas.

Martin Van Buren: Retired to his estate, remained politically influential, traveled in Europe.

John Tyler: Retired to his plantation in Virginia. Was presiding officer of the Washington Peace Conference in 1861, supported secession and was elected to the Confederate Congress.

James Polk: Became seriously ill during a tour of the southern states, died at age 53.

Millard Fillmore: Traveled in Europe and the Middle East. Ran for re-election and lost. Married a wealthy widow, supported charitable causes. In the Civil War, he commanded the Union Continentals, and remained active with them.

Franklin Pierce: Traveled extensively, remained moderately influential, became a heavy drinker.

James Buchanan: Retired to his study, where he read books and wrote letters, wrote a memoir.

Andrew Johnson: Ran for the Senate, and lost. Ran again and was narrowly elected.

Ulysses S. Grant: Toured the world for 2 ½ years. Hoped for a 3rd term but did not get the nomination. Suffered business failures due to being defrauded, sold assets to repay debts. Wrote magazine articles and a memoir.

Rutherford B. Hayes: Declined to run for a 2nd term. Became an advocate for education, served on the Board of Trustees of Ohio State University.

Chester Arthur: Returned to law practice, but poor health limited him. He burned all his papers.

Grover Cleveland: Lost election for 2nd term, returned to law practice, ran again for President and won. After 2nd term, he retired to his estate, was a trustee of Princeton University, wrote articles.

Theodore Roosevelt: Traveled in the Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition, which killed and trapped over 11,000 animals. Traveled through Europe, where he made speeches and delivered lectures. Was the first U.S. president to fly in a plane. Remained involved and influential in politics. Ran again for president as a third-party candidate, and lost. Traveled through South America in the Roosevelt–Rondon Scientific Expedition. Remained involved and influential in politics.

William Howard Taft: became a Professor of Law and Legal History at Yale University. Remained involved and influential in public affairs. Was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1921, and became Chief Justice. In poor health, he resigned in 1930.

Woodrow Wilson: Opened a law practice, but never showed up after the first day. Cooperated with a biographer.

Calvin Coolidge: Retired to Northampton. Served on various foundations and organizations, wrote an autobiography and a syndicated newspaper column, made radio speeches.

Herbert Hoover: After his wife’s death, he lived permanently at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. He wrote many books. Despite widespread unpopularity, he remained involved in politics and hoped to run for another term. He opposed U.S. involvement in WWII and was active in the America First Committee. After the war he started a school meal program for children in occupied territories.

Harry S Truman: Wrote his memoirs, taught some university courses, established his presidential library. He and his wife received the first two Medicare cards.

Dwight Eisenhower: Retired to a farm near Gettysburg, and kept a retirement home in Palm Desert CA. He continued to support Republican candidates.

Lyndon Johnson: Retired to his ranch in Texas. Worked with a co-writer on his memoirs and other books, established his presidential library and museum.

Richard Nixon: Retired to his home in California, accepted a pardon from President Ford, was disbarred in New York, appeared in television interviews, visited China, visited the U.K., wrote his memoirs and other books, supported Ronald Reagan’s campaigns, moved to New Jersey, had a busy schedule of speaking engagements, visited the Soviet Union, established his presidential library.

Gerald Ford: Moved to Denver, invested in oil, made public appearances, wrote his autobiography, played golf, established his presidential library, was involved in various organization and institutions, and was a member of several corporate boards.

Jimmy Carter: Served in several diplomatic roles and peace missions, gave advice to various presidents and presidential candidates. Received 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. Wrote many books, founded the Carter Center to promote human rights, became known for his work with Habitat For Humanity. Worked for the eradication of Guinea Worm. Taught Sunday school and taught university courses.

Ronald Reagan: Was well-paid for speaking engagements, established his presidential library, joined other past presidents in support of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Made a public announcement of his Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.

George H.W. Bush: Took annual cruises in Greece, went on fishing trips in Florida, and visited the Bohemian Club in Northern California. Made many paid speeches. Supported various charities, endorsed Republican candidates.

Bill Clinton: Wrote his autobiography and other books. Created a charitable foundation. Performed several diplomatic missions. Earned money from paid speeches and business consulting. Received a number of honorary degrees, established his presidential library.

George W. Bush: Attended many football and baseball gamers, made public appearances and speeches. Wrote a memoir. Was involved in various charitable efforts. Pursued painting as a hobby and published a book of portraits.

Barack Obama: Released his memoir. He and his wife formed a production company to make documentary films. Was well-paid for speeches. Made various TV appearances, podcast episodes, and public appearances. Campaigned for Democratic candidates. Was involved in various charitable efforts.